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  • Stargazing News - October 1st, 2024

    From CJ@954:895/61 to All on Tuesday, October 01, 2024 06:30:38
    Tuesday October 1, 2024

    Comet Tsuchinshan and Morning Zodiacal Light (pre-dawn)

    During autumn at mid-northern latitudes every year, the ecliptic extends
    nearly vertically upward from the eastern horizon before dawn. That geometry favors the appearance of the faint zodiacal light in the eastern sky for about half an hour before dawn on moonless mornings. Zodiacal light is sunlight scattered by interplanetary particles that are concentrated in the plane of
    the solar system - the same material that produces meteor showers. The phenomenon is more readily seen in areas free of urban light pollution.
    Between now and the full moon on October 17, look for a broad wedge of faint light extending upwards from the eastern horizon and centered on the ecliptic (the green line). It will be strongest in the lower third of the sky around
    the bright star Regulus in Leo. If Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) becomes as bright as hoped, it may also be visible before dawn in early October. Don't confuse the zodiacal light with the Milky Way, which is positioned nearby in the southeastern sky.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Linux
    * Origin: CJ's Place, Orange City FL > cjsplace.thruhere.net (954:895/61)